Radings from Luke 2:22-40
Can you identify the common thread among these activities? Travel to Hawaii. Sky dive. Try zero gravity. Get a tattoo. Witness the Northern Lights. Throw a dart at a map and travel to the spot it hits. Swim with dolphins. Any thoughts? These activities are some of the most sought-after experiences on people's bucket lists.
(Source: www.bucketlist.net)
What do you have on your bucket list? Most of us are familiar with the term, and probably have one. It’s not a catalog of your buckets (unless you happen to own multiple ones, just in case, like Liza, if one should develop a hole). Instead, it represents a list of experiences or goals you'd like to accomplish before you pass away—those achievements that will make you feel fulfilled enough to say, "I’ve done that; now I can die content."
What would your bucket list look like? What would you choose to focus on? What experiences would bring you joy in your final moments?
This morning's reading introduces us to a man who has just one thing on his bucket list: ‘See a baby.’ For someone living in Jerusalem, this may not seem significant, especially with many parents bringing their newborns to the temple for dedication in accordance with the Law.
However, it's not just any baby he wants to see; it's ‘the’ baby. Simeon is depicted as a righteous and devout individual who has faith in the Lord. More importantly, he is eagerly anticipating the ‘consolation of Israel.’ (25)
He realizes that Israel is suffering, and God's people are in a difficult situation that calls for comfort. I recently had a similar experience. At the Bowling Club's party night, everyone chooses their teams, and after three games, the top male and female scorers win prizes. I played poorly that evening (which is typical for me!) and found myself among the lowest scorers, needing some consolation.
However, I ended up receiving a booby prize, which helped make up for my poor performance. When I was awarded my Terry's Chocolate Orange, I completely forgot about my disappointing score! Israel was in a troubled state, feeling distant from God, who had been silent for around 400 years. The land was under Roman occupation, and the people were in need of consolation. They sought comfort from God.
The Holy Spirit had informed Simeon that he would not pass away before witnessing the arrival of the Lord's Messiah (Christ). The promised consolation for Israel would come through the Christ, who would provide the comfort they longed for. Simeon had the assurance that he would meet the Christ before his death, making it his top priority.
Among all the infants present in the temple that day, Simeon is directed to the chosen one. He cradles the baby Jesus and begins to sing: “Lord, you are now releasing your servant in peace, as you promised; for my eyes have witnessed your salvation, which you have prepared for everyone. It is a light for the Gentiles and a source of glory for your people Israel.”
I can die in peace, as I have witnessed your salvation. While he may not understand how salvation will be delivered, he knows the source of that salvation. Although the future remains uncertain to him, it appears that his song is inspired by the servant song found in Isaiah 49.
He connects Jesus to the servant described in that passage, who serves as a means for the Lord to comfort His people, facilitate Israel's return to God, and act as a light for the nations.
Although Simeon only sees the infant Jesus at 40 days old, he understands that the complete realization of salvation will follow. God's promise is unwavering. Just as God assured Simeon he would witness his salvation, He will accomplish that salvation through Jesus.
The baby grew up, living in perfect obedience to God's will. He led an impeccable life and died an impeccable death. Through His death, we gain life. By proclaiming His name, both Jews and Gentiles are reconciled to God.
You may have 1001 items on your bucket list and many aspirations for what you wish to experience before achieving happiness in life. However, Simeon reminds us that only one goal truly matters after death. It is the singular pursuit that Simeon cherished: to know Jesus and find salvation in Him. With His salvation, you can face death with peace—not only content but assured that you will spend eternity with Him.
Luke 2:22-40
King James Version
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.